Television transmitter, television transmitting method, television receiver and television receiving method

ABSTRACT

A TV transmitter, a TV transmitting method, a TV receiver and a TV receiving method allowing users to find and choose desired programs through the use of a program guide displayed by graphical user interface (GUI). The TV transmitter comprises a signal generation unit for generating text data signals associated with TV broadcast programs and hyper text data signals corresponding to the text data signals, a multiplexer for multiplexing the text data signals and the hyper text data signals onto video signals of the TV broadcast programs to provide a multiplexed TV broadcast signal, and an output unit for outputting the multiplexed TV broadcast signal provided by the multiplexer. The TV receiver comprises a display unit for receiving and displaying text data signals extracted from a multiplexed TV broadcast signal interleaving the text data signals associated with TV broadcast programs and hyper text data signals corresponding to the text data signals a designation unit for designating any one of the text data signals displayed by the display unit a detection unit for detecting the hyper text data signal corresponding to the text data signal designated by the designation unit and a processing unit for processing the TV broadcast program corresponding to the hyper text data signal detected by the detection unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a television transmitter, a televisiontransmitting method, a television receiver and a television receivingmethod. More particularly, the invention relates to a televisiontransmitter and a television transmitting method whereby a hyper textdata signal associated with television broadcast is prepared andtransmitted, as well as to a television receiver and a televisionreceiving method whereby the transmitted hyper text data signal isreceived and processed.

Systems capable of digitally transmitting the television broadcastsignal via satellite (broadcasting or communication satellite) tohouseholds are getting widespread acceptance. Such systems each offerthe household a very large number of TV programs carried illustrativelyby nearly 80 channels to choose from.

With the ever-growing number of programs they can transmit, thesesystems propose transmitting along with the programs an electronicprogram guide (EPG) allowing users to choose desired programs easily.The EPG, when implemented, is displayed on a monitor screen so thatpreferred programs may be selected quickly and unfailingly.

With related art analog television broadcast, however, attempts topractice the proposed program guide service are faced with a number ofdifficulties. Large amounts of additional hardware for the service mustbe provided on both the transmitting and the receiving sides. Theconstitution of such hardware is necessarily complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome theabove-described drawbacks of the related art and to provide a televisiontransmitter, a television transmitting method, a television receiver anda television receiving method allowing users to find and choose desiredprograms in a fast and reliable manner through the use of a programguide displayed by graphical user interface (GUI).

In carrying out the invention and according to a first aspect thereof,there is provided a television transmitter comprising a signalgeneration means for generating text data signals associated withtelevision broadcast programs and hyper text data signals correspondingto the text data signals, a multiplex means for multiplexing the textdata signals and the hyper text data signals onto video signals of thetelevision broadcast programs to provide a multiplexed televisionbroadcast signal and an output means for outputting the multiplexedtelevision broadcast signal provided by the multiplex means.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided atelevision transmitting method comprising the steps of generating textdata signals associated with television broadcast programs and hypertext data signals corresponding to the text data signals, multiplexingthe text data signals and the hyper text data signals onto video signalsof the television broadcast programs to provide a multiplexed televisionbroadcast signal and outputting the multiplexed television broadcastsignal.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided atelevision receiver comprising a display means for receiving anddisplaying text data signals extracted from a multiplexed televisionbroadcast signal interleaving the text data signals associated withtelevision broadcast programs and hyper text data signals correspondingto the text data signals, a designation means for designating any one ofthe text data signals displayed by the display means, a detection meansfor detecting the hyper text data signal corresponding to the text datasignal designated by the designation means and a processing means forprocessing the television broadcast program corresponding to the hypertext data signal detected by the detection means.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided atelevision receiving comprising an extraction means for extractingdomain information from a multiplexed television broadcast signalinterleaving hyper text data signals including the domain information ona network offering network services related to television broadcastprograms, a connection means for establishing connection with an accesspoint corresponding to the domain information on the network, areception means for receiving data from the access point connected bythe connection means and a processing means for processing the datareceived by the reception means.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided atelevision receiving method comprising the steps of receiving anddisplaying text data signals extracted from a multiplexed televisionbroadcast signal interleaving the text data signals associated withtelevision broadcast programs and hyper text data signals correspondingto the text data signals, designating any one of the text data signalsdisplayed; detecting the hyper text data signal corresponding to thedesignated text data signal and processing the television broadcastprogram corresponding to the hyper text data signal detected.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention willbecome more apparent upon a reading of the following description andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a TV transmitter embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a TV receiver embodying the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view outlining the operation unit of a remotecommander;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of steps in which the TV receiver of FIG. 2operates;

FIG. 5 is a view of a typical home page screen displayed on the CRT whenthe program guide key of the remote commander in FIG. 3 is pushed;

FIG. 6 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T1 in the homepage screen of FIG. 5 is selected;

FIG. 7 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T12 in thedisplay screen of FIG. 6 is selected;

FIG. 8 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T41 in thedisplay screen of FIG. 7 is selected;

FIG. 9 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T42 in thedisplay screen of FIG. 7 is selected;

FIG. 10 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T43 in thedisplay screen of FIG. 7 is selected;

FIG. 11 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T44 in thedisplay screen of FIG. 7 is selected;

FIG. 12 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T2 in the homepage screen of FIG. 5 is selected;

FIG. 13 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T61 in thedisplay screen of FIG. 12 is selected;

FIG. 14 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T71 in thedisplay screen of FIG. 13 is selected;

FIG. 15 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T87 in thedisplay screen of FIG. 14 is selected;

FIG. 16 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T91 in thedisplay screen of FIG. 15 is selected; and

FIG. 17 is a view of a screen that appears when the text T101 in thedisplay screen of FIG. 16 is selected.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings. In the description that follows,the means constituting some of the embodiments outlined above are showncorresponding to specific components to be described below, each meansbeing equated with its typical counterpart identified in parentheses. Itshould be noted that the description is only for illustrative purposesand is not limitative of the invention.

The television transmitter according to the first aspect of theinvention comprises signal generation means (e.g., hyper text datasignal generation circuit 23 in FIG. 1) for generating text data signalsassociated with television broadcast programs and hyper text datasignals corresponding to the text data signals; multiplex means (e.g.,multiplexer 24 in FIG. 1) for multiplexing the text data signals andhyper text data signals onto video signals of the television broadcastprograms to provide a multiplexed television broadcast signal; andoutput means (e.g., transmission circuit 25 in FIG. 1) for outputtingthe multiplexed television broadcast signal.

The television receiver according to the third aspect of the inventioncomprises display means (e.g., CRT 36 in FIG. 2) for receiving anddisplaying text data signals extracted from the multiplexed televisionbroadcast signal interleaving the text data signals associated withtelevision broadcast programs and hyper text data signals correspondingto the text data signals; designation means (e.g., remote commander 13in FIG. 3) for designating any one of the text data signals displayed bythe display means; detection means (e.g., control microcomputer 34 inFIG. 2 carrying out step S21 in FIG. 4) for detecting the hyper textdata signal corresponding to the text data signal designated by thedesignation means; and processing means (control microcomputer 34 inFIG. 2 executing step S22 in FIG. 4) for processing the televisionbroadcast program corresponding to the detected hyper text data signal.

In preferred structure according to the invention, the televisionreceiver further comprises storage means (e.g., hard disk drive 35 inFIG. 2) for storing the text data signals and the hyper text datasignals.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a TV (television) transmitter 1 practicedas one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, a TV signal generationcircuit 21 generates an analog video signal and an analog audio signal(the two signals may be referred to as the audio-visual signal hereunderwhere necessary).

The text data signal associated with the TV program in question isgenerated by a text data signal generation circuit 22 and output to themultiplexer 24.

The hyper text data signal corresponding to the text data signalassociated with the TV program is generated by a hyper text data signalgeneration circuit 23 and also output to the multiplexer 24.

The multiplexer 24 inserts the text data signal and its correspondinghyper text data signal onto predetermined horizontal scanning linesduring vertical blanking intervals (VBI) for an analog video signal,whereby a single multiplexed television broadcast signal is obtained.Illustratively, the character multiplex broadcast (closed caption)feature for displaying characters corresponding to an audio signal ascaptions on the screen involves multiplexing the text data signal on thetwenty-first scanning line during vertical blanking intervals. In likemanner, hyper text data is multiplexed on scanning lines during othervertical blanking intervals of the video signal. The televisionbroadcast signal thus multiplexed passes through the transmissioncircuit 25 to reach an antenna 2. From the antenna 2, the televisionbroadcast signal is output on radio waves. That is, the text datasignal, hyper text data signal and TV audio-visual signal aremultiplexed onto a single television broadcast signal which is outputfrom the antenna 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a television receiver practiced as anotherembodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2, an antenna 11 receives thetelevision broadcast signal composed of the TV audio-visual signal, textdata signal and hyper text data signal interleaved therein. The receivedtelevision broadcast signal is input to a TV receiver 17.

A TV broadcast reception circuit 31 in the TV receiver 17 selects the TVbroadcast signal designated by the control microcomputer 34. Thedesignated TV broadcast signal is extracted from among a plurality of TVbroadcast signals before being demodulated. The resulting audio-visualsignal is output to an audio-visual processing circuit 33. In thismanner, the user-designated TV program is selected and extracted by theTV broadcast reception circuit 31 from available TV broadcast signals.

A data broadcast reception circuit 32 selects and demodulates the textdata signal (closed caption signal) included in the TV broadcast signaldesignated by the control microcomputer 34. After demodulation, theselected text data signal is output to the audio-visual processingcircuit 33. The user-designated character broadcast (text data signal)is selected and extracted in this manner by the data broadcast receptioncircuit 32 from available TV broadcast signals.

A text data signal for program guide control (as EPG) and control datasignals constituted by the hyper text data signal corresponding to thetext data signal in question are multiplexed onto redeterminedhorizontal scanning lines of the video signal when transmitted. For thisreason, it is difficult to transmit a large number of control datasignals at any one time. These control data signals are transmitted byuse of timings different from those for TV audio-visual signals. Thedata broadcast reception circuit 32 in the TV receiver 17 extracts anddemodulates the control data signals thus transmitted. After suchextraction and demodulation, the control data signals are forwarded bythe control microcomputer 34 to the hard disk drive 35 for storagetherein. The stored control data signals are read as needed from thehard disk drive 35 and processed. Illustratively, a TV broadcast stationmay output a TV broadcast signal having such control data signalsmultiplexed therein during the late hours after the day's programs haveended so that the TV receiver 17 will store the received control datasignals into the hard disk drive 35.

The audio-visual processing circuit 33 processes the video signalreceived from the TV broadcast reception circuit 31 and accordinglygenerates a video signal to be supplied to the CRT 36. In addition, theaudio-visual processing circuit 33 has the TV video signal multiplexedwith the text data signal (closed caption signal) from the databroadcast reception circuit 33 or with a video data signal from thecontrol microcomputer 34. The multiplexed video signal is output to theCRT 36.

Furthermore, the audio-visual processing circuit 33 performs appropriateprocessing such as amplification on the audio signal from the TVbroadcast reception circuit 31. The processed audio signal is output tospeakers 37.

An infrared ray TV operation signal from the remote commander 13 isprocessed by an infrared ray receiving unit 13 a and by the controlmicrocomputer 34. As a result of the signal processing, the controlmicrocomputer 34 outputs instructions telling the TV broadcast receptioncircuit 31 to select and demodulate the designated TV audio-visualsignal; the control microcomputer 34 may also issue instructions causingthe data broadcast reception circuit 32 to select and demodulate thetext data signal (closed caption signal).

The remote commander 13 outputs a signal that designates program guidedisplay (i.e., the signal output by operation of a program guide key 41in FIG. 3, to be described later with reference to that figure). Uponreceipt of the designating signal, the control microcomputer 34generates a picture data signal (home page display data signal)corresponding to the control data signal read from the hard disk drive35. The picture data signal thus generated is output to the audio-visualprocessing circuit 33.

When the signal for designating program guide display is sent from theremote commander 13 and input to the control microcomputer 34, thecontrol microcomputer 34 performs various operations using the controldata signal read from the hard disk drive 35. One such operationinvolves transmitting a control signal for executing the processcorresponding to the designating signal to a VCR (video cassetterecorder) via an infrared ray emitting unit 14 a or to a modem 15 via aconnector 15 a. Another operation by the control microcomputer 34involves generating the picture data signal and outputting it to theaudio-visual processing circuit 33.

When the user turns off the power switch (not shown) of the TV receiver17, the TV channel being output at that point is retained in anonvolatile memory (not shown) inside the control microcomputer 34. Nexttime the user turns on the power switch of the TV receiver 17, anaudio-visual output is made of the TV channel recorded in the controlmicrocomputer 34.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a typical operation unit of the remotecommander 13. The operation unit includes the program guide key 41,up-down-right-left keys 42 through 45, an enter key 46, numerical keys47 and a character broadcast key 48.

The TV receiver 17 shown in FIG. 2 operates in one of two modes: TVoperation mode and program guide mode. In the TV operation mode, the TVreceiver 17 operates as a related art TV set manipulated in traditionalfashion. In the program guide mode, the TV receiver 17 operates usinghyper text data signals.

The program guide key 41 is a key for switchover between the programguide mode and the TV operation mode. Pushing once the program guide key41 replaces the TV operation mode with the program guide mode or viceversa.

In the TV operation mode, the desired TV program together with itscharacter broadcast is selected by use of the up-down keys 42 and 43,numerical keys 47 and character broadcast key 48. Illustratively, bypushing once the up key 42 (or down key 43), the user selects the TVprogram on the next (or preceding) channel. Alternatively, pushing anyone of the numerical keys 47 selects the TV program on the channelcorresponding to the number of the pushed key. Pushing once thecharacter broadcast key 48 selects the text data signal (closed captionsignal) multiplexed in the audio-visual signal of the TV program on thecurrently selected channel, whereby text characters are displayed on thescreen.

In the program guide mode, the user first invokes a GUI-based selectionscreen for selecting the manner in which to control the TV receiver 17.Operating the up-down-left-right keys 42 through 45, the user moves thecursor through the screen fields indicating various control features.When the desired control feature is selected, the user pushes the enterkey 46 to finalize the selection.

Described below with reference to FIG. 4 and subsequent figures aretypical operations performed on the operation unit, the internalprocesses executed in response to the performed operations, and theconcomitant display screens.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of steps in which the TV receiver 17 operates. Howthe TV receiver 17 works in the TV operation mode will now be described.

The user activates the TV receiver 17 by pushing its power switch, notshown. This causes step S11 of FIG. 4 to be reached, and the TV receiver17 is initialized to the TV operation mode. In this state, the memory inthe control microcomputer 34 retains the receiver status in effect whenthe power switch was last turned off. Thus the TV program on the mostrecently selected channel is output visually and audibly by default assoon as the TV operation mode is selected.

In step S12, an input signal from the user is awaited. That is, the TVprogram on the channel initially set in step S11 remains output visuallyand audibly until a designating signal is entered by the user.

In this state, the user pushes once the up key 42 on the operation unitin 3, in order to select a given TV program. This causes the remotecommander 13 to output a designating signal to the TV receiver 17.

Upon receipt of the designating signal, the TV receiver 17 leaves theinput signal wait process in step S12 and reaches step S13. In step S13,the control microcomputer 34 in the TV receiver 17 checks to see if theinput signal is a signal produced by operation of the program guide key41 in FIG. 3. In this case, the input signal is a TV operation signalthat designates selection of a TV program and is judged by the controlmicrocomputer 34 to be other than the designating signal from theprogram guide key 41. The control microcomputer 34 thus reaches stepS19.

In step S19, a check is made to see if the program guide mode isestablished. Since the TV receiver is currently operating in the TVoperation mode, the program guide mode is judged to be absent. Step S19is thus followed by step S20.

In step S20, the control microcomputer 34 outputs an instruction signaltelling the TV broadcast reception circuit 31 to select the TV programon the user-designated channel (the next channel in this case) inaccordance with the designating signal from the user. Given theinstruction, the TV broadcast reception circuit 31 extracts anddemodulates the signal of the designated TV program and transmits theaudio-visual signal of that program to the audio-visual processingcircuit 33. The audio-visual processing circuit 33 processes thereceived audio-visual signal and provides an audio-visual outputaccordingly.

After the user-selected TV program is output, step S12 is again reachedand the next input signal is awaited. In this manner, as the useroperates the TV receiver 17, steps S12, S13, S19 and S20 in FIG. 4 arecarried out repeatedly in the TV operation mode.

The steps for processing the output text data signal (closed captionsignal) proceed likewise. For example, pushing the character broadcastkey 48 in FIG. 3 causes the remote commander 13 to output a signaldesignating the display of text characters corresponding to thecurrently selected TV program. When the TV receiver 17 receives thedesignating signal, the input signal wait process in step S12 iscanceled and step S13 is reached. In step S13, the input signal isjudged to be other than the signal for establishing the program guidemode. Step S13 is followed by step S19 in which the program guide modeis judged to be inactive. After the judgment, step S20 is reached.

In step S20, the control microcomputer 34 outputs to the data broadcastreception circuit 32 an instruction signal designating the selection anddemodulation of the text data signal corresponding to theuser-designated program (i.e., the TV program currently output audiblyand visually) in accordance with the designating signal from the user.Given the instruction signal, the data broadcast reception signal 32selects and demodulates the text data signal corresponding to thedesignated program, and forwards the resulting text data signal to theaudio-visual processing circuit 33. In turn, the audio-visual processingcircuit 33 multiplexes the text data signal onto the TV video signal andoutputs the multiplexed signal to the CRT 36. In response, the CRT 36outputs the character broadcast selected by the user.

Described below are the workings of the program guide mode using thehyper text data signal.

When the user pushes once the program guide key 41 in FIG. 3, the remotecommander 13 outputs a signal for designating the establishment of theprogram guide mode.

When the TV receiver 17 receives the designating signal, the inputsignal wait process in step S12 of FIG. 4 is canceled and step S13 isreached. In step S13, the input signal is judged to be the signal forestablishing the program guide mode. Step S13 is followed by step S14 inwhich a check is made to see if the program guide mode is alreadyselected. Since the program guide mode is yet to be selected in thiscase, step S15 is reached. In step S15, the control microcomputer 34turns on the program guide mode. Thereafter, the TV receiver 17 operatesin the program guide mode using the hyper text data signal.

In step S16, the control microcomputer 34 reads from the hard disk drive35 the control data signal (i.e., made of the text data signal and thehyper text data signal corresponding thereto) for home page display,generates a home page picture data signal corresponding to that controldata signal, and outputs the picture data signal to the audio-visualprocessing circuit 33.

The audio-visual processing circuit 33 multiplexes the picture datasignal onto the currently output TV video signal, and outputs themultiplexed signal to the CRT 36. The CRT 36 outputs the home pagescreen, such as one illustrated in FIG. 5.

The home page in FIG. 5 includes a text T1, a text T2, a TV program areaA1 and a URL display area A10 all using hyper texts.

The HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) in such texts will now bedescribed. The HTML is a language in which to describe hyper texts.Using the HTML involves having the qualification of characters,itemization and line feeds expressed by commands called tags embedded inthe text. In addition, reading a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) as ananchor tag associated with a given text links that text to the home pagedesignated by the URL.

It is possible to call up various information files from the linkedtexts by use of dedicated software called the browser. The files may becalled up freely from the texts not only from the hard disk drive on theclient side but also from servers over a network. This is the biggestfeature of the HTML. One of the well-known browsers is the softwarecalled MOSAIC first developed at the National Center for SupercomputingApplication (NCSA) of the University of Illinois.

The World Wide Web (WWW) of the Internet is a system that uses the HTML.MOSAIC and other programs work as the browser for the HTML on theInternet, allowing files in WWW servers all over the world to be calledup and displayed in real time.

In the WWW system used on the Internet, the WWW servers connected to thenetwork are assigned network addresses (domain information) called theURL (Uniform Resource Locator). When a tag describing the associated URLis attached to the text written in HTML, files in the URL-designated WWWserver can be linked to the text in question.

Illustratively, simply pointing the cursor to the text linked to a filein a WWW server and clicking the button of the pointing device transfersthe linked file from the WWW server to the client so that the home pageof the WWW server is displayed on the client side. Thus the WWW systemusing the HTML allows any of the WWW servers on the network to bereadily accessed and permits handling of various kinds of data such asimages, voices, texts and animations.

Returning to FIG. 5, the text T1, text T2 and TV program area A1 areeach composed of a hyper text in which the associated file is linked tothe text characters using the HTML. These texts are displayedillustratively in blue, as opposed to the ordinary text characters(i.e., to which no file is linked) displayed in black.

The text T1 denotes a hyper text to which is linked a file fordisplaying an on-the-air program guide. The text T2 represents a hypertext to which is linked a file for displaying a broadcast channel guide.

The TV program area A1 denotes a hyper text in which the texts indicatedby 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, U1, U2 and BS are each linked to a file fordisplaying the contents of the TV program on the channel correspondingto the numeral in question.

The URL display area A10 is an area indicating the name of the filelinked to the text characters in the hyper text designated by thecursor.

In FIG. 5, the cursor is set to the position “1” representing TV channelNo. 1 in the TV program area A1. The name of the file linked to the textin that cursor position is displayed in the URL display area A10.

The up-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 may be operated to set thecursor to any one of the channel positions indicated by 1, 3, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, U1, U2 and BS in the TV program area A1. The cursor-designatedchannel is selected by pushing the enter key 46, and the program on theselected channel is output visually and audibly. This process takesplace more specifically as follows:

Suppose that in the screen of FIG. 5, the user pushes once the right key45 in FIG. 3. This causes the remote commander 13 to output a signaldesignating cursor movement.

When the designating signal is received by the TV receiver 17, the inputsignal wait process of step S12 in FIG. 4 is canceled and step S13 isreached. In step S13, the input signal is judged to be other than thesignal designating the establishment of the program guide mode. Step S13is followed by step S19 in which the program guide mode is judged to beon. The decision in step S19 is followed by step S21.

In step S21, a check is made to see if the input signal is an HTMLprocess signal (signal produced by the enter key) or a cursor positionupdate signal (signal generated by any one of the up-down-left-rightkeys). In this case, the input signal is judged to be a cursor positionupdate signal since it is produced by operation of the right key 45.Step S21 is followed by step S23.

In step S23, the control microcomputer 34 generates a picture datasignal representing a cursor display in which the cursor position isshifted right one place. In addition, the control microcomputer 34acquires the name of the file linked to the destination text characters(text indicated by numeral 3 in the TV program area A1 in this case)from the control data signals stored in the hard disk drive 35,generates picture data signals to be displayed in the URL display areaA1, and outputs these picture data signals to the audio-visualprocessing circuit 33. In turn, the audio-visual processing circuit 33multiplexes the received picture data signals onto the video signalbeing output, and sends the multiplexed signal to the CRT 36.

As a result, the cursor is moved to the position 3 indicating TV channelNo. 3 in the TV program area A1, and the picture data is output wherebythe name of the file linked by the HTML to the cursor position isdisplayed in the URL display area A10. By operating theup-down-left-right keys 42 through 45, the user is thus able to movefreely the cursor to the desired characters written in HTML.

In the above state (in which the cursor is set to the position 3denoting TV channel No. 3 in the TV program area A1), the user pushesthe enter key 46 in FIG. 3. This causes the remote commander 13 tooutput a designating signal that finalizes the selection.

When the designating signal is received by the TV receiver 17, the inputsignal wait process of step S12 in FIG. 4 is canceled. Step S12 isfollowed by steps S13, S14 and S21 in that order.

In step S21, the control microcomputer 34 judges the type of the inputsignal. In this case, the input signal is judged to be an HTML processsignal since it is a signal causing the HTML process to be designated byoperation of the enter key 46. Step S21 is followed by step S22 in whichthe HTML process is carried out.

In step S22, the control microcomputer 34 reads from the hard disk drive35 the corresponding file (i.e., file based on control data signals),and processes the acquired file. In this case, the processing of thefile involves effecting an audio-visual output of the TV program onchannel No. 3. The control microcomputer 34 supplies the TV broadcastreception circuit 31 with an instruction for selecting and demodulatingthe audio-visual signal on TV channel No. 3, whereby the TV audio-visualoutput is executed. Thereafter the control microcomputer 34 turns offthe program guide mode to let the TV receiver 17 operate in the TVoperation mode.

The state in which the home page screen of FIG. 5 is output is againrestored. By operating the up-down-left-right keys 42 through 45, theuser sets the cursor to the position of the text T1. Pushing the enterkey 46 executes the on-the-air TV program guide. This process takesplace more specifically as follows:

In the state of the screen in FIG. 5, the user operates theup-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 to position the cursor to the textT1, and pushes the enter key 46. This causes the remote commander 13 tooutput the signal designating that the selection be finalized.

When the TV receiver 17 receives the designating signal, the inputsignal wait process in step S12 of FIG. 4 is canceled. Step S12 isfollowed by steps S13, S19, S21 and S22 in that order.

In step S22, the control microcomputer 34 reads the corresponding filefrom the hard disk drive 35 and processes the acquired file. In thiscase, the processing of the file involves displaying the on-the-airprogram guide (i.e., a process in which the subsequent layered selectionscreen is displayed). Using the file, the control microcomputer 34generates a picture data signal of the next screen to be displayed andsupplies the audio-visual processing circuit 33 with that signal. Inturn, the audio-visual processing circuit 33 multiplexes the picturedata for video signal output.

In the manner described, the user operates the up-down-left-right keys42 through 45 and the enter key 46 in the home page of FIG. 5. When thetext T1 (“1. ON-THE-AIR PROGRAM GUIDE”) is selected, the screen of FIG.6 is displayed.

The screen in FIG. 6 shows a typical on-the-air TV program guide.Operating the up-down-left-right keys 42 through 45, the user moves thecursor to any one of the TV programs indicated by texts T11 through T20.With the cursor set to the desired text position in this selectionscreen, pushing the enter key 46 allows the to user to obtain detailedinformation on the corresponding program.

The text T31 in the bottom right corner of the screen in FIG. 6 is ahyper text to which the cursor may be positioned by operation of theup-down-left-right keys 42 through 45. With the cursor set to the textT31, pushing the enter key 46 causes the home page screen of FIG. 5 toreappear.

Suppose that in the screen state of FIG. 6, the user positions thecursor to the text T12 (lessons in everyday English conversationcurrently broadcast on channel No. 3) by operating theup-down-left-right keys 42 through 45, and then pushes the enter key 46.This causes the remote commander 13 to output the signal designatingthat the selection be finalized.

When the TV receiver 17 receives the designating signal, the inputsignal wait process in step S12 of FIG. 4 is canceled. Step S12 isfollowed by steps S13, S19, S21 and S22 in that order.

In step S22, the control microcomputer 34 reads the corresponding filefrom the hard disk drive 35 and processes the acquired file. In thiscase, the processing of the file involves displaying details of thelessons in everyday English conversation being offered on channel No. 3(i.e., a process in which the subsequent layered selection screen isdisplayed). Using the file, the control microcomputer 34 generates thepicture data signal of the next screen to be displayed, and supplies theaudio-visual processing circuit 33 with that signal. In response, theaudio-visual processing circuit 33 multiplexes the picture data forvideo signal output.

In the manner described, the user operates the up-down-left-right keys42 through 45 and the enter key 46 in the selection screen of FIG. 6.When the text T12 is selected, the screen of FIG. 7 is displayed.

The screen in FIG. 7 shows detailed information on the program beingbroadcast on channel No. 3. The text T32 in the bottom center of thescreen in FIG. 7 is a hyper text to which the cursor may be positionedby operation of the up-down-left-right keys 42 through 45. With thecursor set to the text T32, pushing the enter key 46 causes theimmediately preceding screen (screen of FIG. 6) to reappear.

In the screen of FIG. 7, the text T41 “Lessons in Everyday EnglishConversation,” text T42 “instructors,” text T43 “The textbook” and textT44 “fax” are hyper text characters linked to the associated files.These text characters are displayed in blue as distinct from the otherordinary text characters in black.

The screen of FIG. 8 appears when, in the screen state of FIG. 7, theuser operates the up-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 to position thecursor to the text T41 (Lessons in Everyday English Conversation) andthen pushes the enter key 46. In this case, the TV receiver 17 operatesin the same manner as it did when channel No. 3 in the TV program areaA1 in the screen of FIG. 5 was selected, and thus the workings of the TVreceiver 17 will not be described further.

The screen shown in FIG. 8 indicates a video output of the TV program onchannel No. 3. Needless to say, the speakers 37 at this time areeffecting an audio output of the TV program on channel No. 3.

The screen of FIG. 9 appears when, in the screen state of FIG. 7, theuser operates the up-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 to position thecursor to the text T42 (instructors) and then pushes the enter key 46.In this case, the TV receiver 17 operates in the same manner as it didwhen the text T1 in the screen of FIG. 5 was selected, and thus theworkings of the TV receiver 17 will not be described further.

The screen shown in FIG. 9 indicates detailed information on theinstructors in charge of the “Lessons in everyday English conversation”on TV channel No. 3.

The screen of FIG. 10 appears when, in the screen state of FIG. 7, theuser operates the up-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 to position thecursor to the text T43 (The textbook) and then pushes the enter key 46.

The screen shown in FIG. 10 indicates detailed information on thetextbook used in the program “Lessons in everyday English conversation”on TV channel No. 3.

The screen of FIG. 11 appears when, in the screen state of FIG. 7, theuser operates the up-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 to position thecursor to the text T44 (fax) and then pushes the enter key 46.

The screen shown in FIG. 11 provides information on how to use the faxservice whereby the user may obtain text pages for a session in theprogram “Lessons in Everyday Engish Conversation” on TV channel No. 3.

Suppose that in the screen state of FIG. 11, the user operates theup-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 in FIG. 3 to position the cursorto the text T51 (CHECK) and then pushes the enter key 46. This causesthe remote commander 13 to output the signal designating that theselection be finalized.

When the TV receiver 17 receives the designating signal, the inputsignal wait state in step S12 of FIG. 4 is canceled. Step S12 isfollowed by steps S13, S19, S21 and S22 in that order.

In step S22, the control microcomputer 34 reads the corresponding filefrom the hard disk drive 35 and processes the acquired file. In thiscase, the processing of the file involves allowing the user to utilizethe fax service. Using the file, the control microcomputer 34 transmitsover a telephone line 16 a signal including the user's fax number andfax transmission request to the telephone number of the fax serviceprovider. The operation effects automatic access to the fax serviceprovider, allowing the user to take advantage of the fax service.

The state of the home page screen in FIG. 5 is again restored. With thescreen of FIG. 5 on display, the user operates the up-down-left-rightkeys 42 through 45 to position the cursor to the text T2 (Broadcastchannel guide), and pushes the enter key. This causes the screen of FIG.12 to appear.

FIG. 12 shows a selection screen offering detailed information on thecontents of broadcasts from various TV broadcast stations. As shown inFIG. 12, the selection screen indicates the geographical locations ofsuch TV bradcast stations. The texts T61 through T64 representing the TVbroadcast stations are linked to the associated files through the use ofHTML.

FIG. 13 shows a program guide screen of the NNN broadcast station whichappears when the user operates the up-down-left-right keys 42 through 45in FIG. 3 to position the cursor to the text T61 (NNN) in FIG. 12 andthen pushes the enter key 46.

As shown in FIG. 13, the screen includes a text T71 (genres) and a textT72 (electronic mail). These texts are hyper texts linked to theassociated files by use of HTML.

The text T71 is a hyper text for executing a process of displayingdetailed information on the genres of the programs broadcast by NNN(i.e., a process in which the subsequent layered selection screen isdisplayed). The text T72 is a hyper text which, when selected, displaysan electronic mail input screen (not shown). After a message is entered,the hyper text electronically transmits the mail via the modem 15 to theNNN broadcast station.

The screen of FIG. 14 appears when the user operates theup-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 in FIG. 3 to position the cursorto the text T71 (genres) in FIG. 13 and then pushes the enter key 46.The screen provides information on the genres of the programs offered bythe NNN broadcast station.

As shown in FIG. 14, the screen includes texts T81 through T88 relatedto the available genres and linked to files using HTML. Each of thetexts T81 through T88 is a hyper text for displaying the subsequentlayered selection screen.

The screen of FIG. 15 appears when the user operates theup-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 in FIG. 3 to position the cursorto the text T87 (movies) in FIG. 14 and then pushes the enter key 46.The screen provides information on the movie programs offered by the NNNbroadcast station.

As indicated in FIG. 15, the screen includes a text T91 (reruns) relatedto movie reruns and linked to files through the use of HTML. The textT91 is a hyper text for displaying the subsequent layered selectionscreen.

The screen of FIG. 16 appears when the user operates theup-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 in FIG. 3 to position the cursorto the text T91 (reruns) in FIG. 15 and then pushes the enter key 46.This screen is a selection screen allowing the user to set the VCRautomatically to videotape any one of the movie programs offered by theNNN broadcast station.

As depicted in FIG. 16, the screen includes texts T101 through T104linked to files using HTML in connection with the automatic setting ofthe VCR for videotaping. The text T101 is a hyper text for displayingthe subsequent layered selection screen, and the texts T102 through T104are each a hyper text for automatically setting the VCR to videotape thedesired program.

The screen of FIG. 17 appears when the user operates theup-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 to position the cursor to the textT101 in FIG. 16 and then pushes the enter key 46. This screen displaysinstructions for setting the VCR to videotape.

Suppose that again in the screen of FIG. 16, the user operates theup-down-left-right keys 42 through 45 to position the cursor to the textT102 and then pushes the enter key 46. In this case, the VCR 14 isautomatically set to videotape the movie entitled “Gas Lights” to bebroadcast starting at 18:00 on August 9 by the NNN broadcast station.

The process above takes place more specifically as follows: when theuser sets the cursor onto the text T102 and pushes the enter key 46, theremote commander 13 outputs the signal designating that the selection befinalized.

When the TV receiver 17 receives the designating signal, the inputsignal wait process in step S12 of FIG. 4 is canceled. Step S12 isfollowed by steps S13, S19, S21 and S22 in that order.

In step S22, the control microcomputer 34 read the corresponding filefrom the hard disk drive 35 and processes the acquired file. In thiscase, the processing of the file involves automatically setting the VCRfor videotaping. Using the file, the control microcomputer 34 outputs tothe VCR 14 via the infrared ray emitting unit 14 a an instruction signaltelling the machine to videotape a three-hour movie broadcast by the NNNbroadcast station on August 9 starting at 18:00. The operationautomatically sets the VCR 14 to videotape the desired program.

To switch from the program guide mode to the ordinary TV operation mode,the user pushes the program guide key 41 in FIG. 3 with the programguide mode kept on. This causes steps S12, S13 and S14 in FIG. 4 to becarried out in that order. In step S14, a check is made to see if theprogram guide mode is in effect. In this case, the program guide mode isjudged to be in effect and step S17 is reached. In step S17, the programguide mode is turned off. In step S18, the control microcomputer 34stops outputting the picture data signal to the audio-visual processingcircuit 33 and switches to the ordinary TV operation mode. In thismanner, simply pushing the program guide key 41 replaces the programguide mode with the TV operation mode.

The files linked to texts through the use of HTML may either be filesheld in the TV receiver 17 (e.g., files stored in the hard disk drive 35in the above example) or files in other servers on the network (e.g.,files in WWW servers on the Internet). How a file in a WWW server(access point) on the Internet is accessed is described below.

For example, suppose that the file linked to the text selected by theremote commander 13 is a file (described in HTML and designated by URL)held in a WWW server on the Internet. In that case, the controlmicrocomputer 34 performs dial-up IP connection based on the PPP (pointto Point Protocol) so as to access the URL of the linked destination.Specifically, the control microcomputer 34 outputs a connection controlsignal (made up of the telephone number and ID number for connecting toa previously registered Internet service provider) to the modem 15 viathe connector 15 a in accordance with previously established procedures.The modem 15 converts the connection control signal to a predeterminedfrequency signal based on telephone line protocols, and outputs theconverted signal onto the telephone line 16.

When dial-up IP connection with the PPP server of the Internet serviceprovider is completed and connection to the Internet is provided via thePPP provider, access is started to the corresponding WWW server based onthe URL of the linked destination. The access causes the URL-designatedhome page or other applicable HTML file to be transferred from the WWWserver via the service provider and telephone line 16 to the modem 15.After demodulation, the file is stored temporarily into the hard diskdrive 35 by way of the control microcomputer 34. The controlmicrocomputer 34 reads and processes the temporarily stored HTML file togenerate a picture data signal representing the home page or the like,and outputs the signal to the audio-visual processing circuit 33. Theaudio-visual processing circuit 33 multiplexes the generated picturedata signal to output a video signal. As outlined above, the hyper textdata signal including URL information (domain information) on thepicture data signal is multiplexed during vertical blanking intervals ofthe TV video signal before being transmitted. This allows viewerswatching TV broadcast programs to connect as needed automatically to anyURL-designated WWW server on the globally expanding Internet. Thus theTV viewers can enjoy network services often called net-surfing wherebylinked home pages are traced continuously for access to diverse wwwinformation sources on the Internet.

The embodiments above have been shown to be integrally incorporated inthe TV receiver. Alternatively, the expanded functions composed of thedata broadcast reception circuit 32, control microcomputer 34 and harddisk drive 35 in FIG. 2 may be housed in a separate expansion boxpopularly called a set-top box that combines with the existing TVreceiver when used.

The hard disk drive 35 has been shown above as the preferred storagemeans for storing hyper text data signals and other data. Alternatively,the storage means may be implemented by use of a magneto-opticalrecording and reproduction apparatus that uses such removablemagneto-optical recording media as MD (Mini Disk™) and MO(magneto-optical) disks. In the alternative case, switching recordingmedia on the recording and reproduction apparatus makes it possible forTV receivers not connected with any network to gain access to files in amanner similar to the one described above.

As described, the use of hyper text data signals allows the user to takeadvantage of various information services including the TV program guideconcerning TV broadcast programs.

In addition to the novel TV receiver capable of handling variousinformation services and having its own commercial merit, the hyper textdata signal including control information for presenting suchinformation services may be offered to the public in a graduated servicecharge system whereby users are charged for the content of the hypertext data signal utilized. That is, with the hyper text data signal inuse, different services may be offered to users at varied servicecharges.

The above-described embodiments of the invention may be supplemented bychanges and variations such as one for having a WWW server on theInternet execute the processing related to TV broadcasts, and anotherfor getting peripherals of the TV receiver 17 to carry out TVbroadcast-related processes.

As described, the television transmitter and television transmittingmethod according to the invention generate text data signals associatedwith television broadcast programs and hyper text data signalscorresponding to the text data signals, and multiplex the text datasignals and hyper text data signals onto the video signals of thetelevision broadcast programs. The invention when thus implementedintroduces television programs to viewers in an easy-to-understandmanner and allows them to select desired programs quickly and reliably.

The television receiver and television receiving method according to theinvention receive text data signals extracted from the televisionbroadcast signal which multiplexes therein video signals of televisionbroadcast programs, the text data signals associated with the televisionbroadcast programs, and hyper text data signals corresponding to thetext data signals. The received text data signals are displayed so thatthe user may designate any one of them. The invention when thusimplemented detects the hyper text data signal corresponding to thedesignated text data signal, and carries out the process in accordancewith the hyper text data signal associated with the television broadcastprogram in question. In this manner, the user is offered explanations ofmany programs and select any one of the explained programs quickly andreliably.

As many apparently different embodiments of this invention may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodimentsthereof except as defined in the appended claims.

1. A television receiver comprising: means for receiving a televisionbroadcast signal including television program signals and multimediadata files, the multimedia data files including address informationwhich designates a linked multimedia data file; means for extractingsaid multimedia data files from the television broadcast signal to formextracted multimedia data files; means for storing the extractedmultimedia data files and said linked multimedia data file; means forretrieving and interpreting at least one of the extracted multimediadata files and generating a display signal for displaying a displayedlink portion that is associated with the address information; and meansfor selecting the displayed link portion, wherein said means forretrieving and interpreting recognizes said address informationassociated with said displayed link portion, retrieves said linkedmultimedia data file corresponding to the address information from saidmeans for storing, and interprets the linked multimedia data file togenerate another display signal.
 2. The television receiver according toclaim 1, wherein said multimedia data files further include at least oneof image data, audio data, text data and moving picture data.
 3. Thetelevision receiver according to claim 1, wherein said user interfacemeans is not contained in said television receiver.
 4. The televisionreceiver according to claim 1, wherein said multimedia data files aretransmitted at a predetermined time from a broadcast source.
 5. Thetelevision receiver according to claim 1, wherein said addressinformation is written in Hyper Text Markup Language.
 6. The televisionreceiver according to claim 1, wherein said address informationdesignates said linked multimedia data file, which is located at aremote location.
 7. The television receiver according to claim 6,further comprising: means for connecting to a processor at a remotelocation identified by said address information and for receiving saidlinked multimedia data file from said processor; and means forcontrolling said means for connecting to establish said connection whensaid address information recognized by said means for retrieving andinterpreting designates said linked multimedia data file located at saidremote location.
 8. The television receiver according to claim 1,wherein: said link portion includes video recorder information; and saidmeans for retrieving and interpreting further includes means forcontrolling a video recorder according to said video recorderinformation as selected by said user interface means.
 9. The televisionreceiver according to claim 1, further comprising: means for receivingfrom a processor at a remote location a control signal for controllingan execution of a process.
 10. A television receiving method comprisingsteps of: receiving a television broadcast signal including televisionprogram signals and multimedia data files, the multimedia data filesincluding address information which designates a linked multimedia datafile; extracting said multimedia data files from the received televisionbroadcast signal; storing the extracted multimedia data files and saidlinked multimedia data file; retrieving and interpreting at least one ofthe extracted multimedia data files and generating a display signal fordisplaying a displayed link portion that is associated with addressinformation; and selecting the displayed link portion, wherein said stepof retrieving and interpreting further recognizes said addressinformation associated with said displayed link portion, retrieves saidlinked multimedia data file corresponding to the recognized addressinformation stored in said step of storing, and interprets the linkedmultimedia data file to generate another display signal.
 11. Thetelevision receiving method according to claim 10, wherein saidmultimedia data files further include at least one of image data, audiodata, text data and moving picture data.
 12. The television receivingmethod according to claim 10, wherein said user interface step isperformed using an apparatus that is not contained in said televisionreceiver.
 13. The television receiving method according to claim 10,wherein said multimedia data files are transmitted at a predeterminedtime from a broadcast source.
 14. The television receiving methodaccording to claim 10, wherein said address information is written inHyper Text Markup Language.
 15. The television receiving methodaccording to claim 10, wherein said address information designates saidlinked multimedia data file, which is located at a remote location. 16.The television receiving method according to claim 15, furthercomprising steps of: establishing a connection with a processor at aremote location identified by said address information and receivingsaid linked multimedia data file from said proceessor; and controllingsaid connection step to execute establishment of said connection whensaid address information recognized in said step of retrieving andinterpreting designates said linked multimedia data file located at saidremote location.
 17. The television receiving method according to claim12, wherein: said link portion includes video recorder information; andsaid step of retrieving and interpreting further includes a step forcontrolling a video recorder according to said video recorderinformation as selected in said user interface step.
 18. The televisionreceiving method according to claim 10, further comprising a step of:receiving from a processor at a remote location a control signal forcontrolling an execution of a process.
 19. A television receivercomprising: a television broadcast receiver configured to receive atelevision broadcast signal and extract there from television programsignals; a data broadcast receiver coupled to said television broadcastreceiver and configured to extract from said television broadcast signalmultimedia data files, wherein said multimedia data files includeaddress information which designates a linked multimedia data file; acomputer readable medium configured to store said multimedia data filesand said linked multimedia data file; an audio-visual processingmechanism coupled to said data broadcast receiver and said televisionbroadcast receiver and configured to receive said television programsignals and said multimedia data files and in accordance therewith togenerate a display signal for displaying a displayed link portion thatis associated with address information which designates a linkedmultimedia data file; and a control processor coupled to said databroadcast receiver, said television broadcast receiver, saidaudio-visual processing mechanism and said computer readable medium,said control processor configured to receive an operation signal and inaccordance therewith control said data broadcast receiver, saidtelevision broadcast receiver, said audio-visual processing mechanismand said computer readable medium, wherein said operation signal furtherindicates a predetermined selection of at least one of said linkportions and in accordance therewith said audio-visual processingmechanism generates another display signal.
 20. The television receiveraccording to claim 19, wherein said multimedia data files furtherinclude at least one of image data, audio data, text data and movingpicture data.
 21. The television receiver according to claim 19, whereinsaid operation signal is generated from a user interface, which is notcontained in said television receiver.
 22. The television receiveraccording to claim 19, wherein said multimedia data files aretransmitted at a predetermined time from a broadcast source.
 23. Thetelevision receiver according to claim 19, wherein said addressinformation is written in Hyper Text Markup Language.
 24. The televisionreceiver according to claim 19, wherein said address informationdesignates said linked multimedia data file, which is located at aremote location.
 25. The television receiver according to claim 24,further comprising: an apparatus for transmitting and receiving dataover a distance, coupled to said control processor, said apparatus fortransmitting and receiving data configured to establish a connectionwith a processor at a remote location identified by said addressinformation and to receive said linked multimedia data file from saidprocessor, wherein said control processor is further configured tocontrol said apparatus for transmitting and receiving data to establishsaid connection when said address information designates said linkedmultimedia data file located at said remote location.
 26. The televisionreceiver according to claim 19, wherein: said link portions includevideo recorder information; and said control processor is furtherconfigured to generate a video recorder control signal for controlling avideo recorder according to said video recorder information as selectedby said operation signal.
 27. The television receiver according to claim19, further comprising: an interface configured to connect to aprocessor at a remote location so as to get a control signal forcontrolling an execution of a process.